A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Crosdill, John

CROSDILL, John, was born in London in 1751. He received his early musical education in the choir of Westminster Abbey under John Robinson and Benjamin Cooke. Upon quitting the choir he became a performer on the violoncello, and soon attained to considerable proficiency. In 1768 he became a member of the Royal Society of Musicians, and in the following year appeared at Gloucester, as principal violoncello at the meeting of the Three Choirs, a position which he continued to occupy until his retirement from his profession, with the exception of the year 1778, when the younger Cervetto filled his place, at Gloucester. In 76, on the establishment of the Concert of Ancient Music, Crosdill was appointed principal violoncello. In 77 he succeeded Peter Gillier [App. p.601 "In 78 he succeeded Nares"] as violist of the Chapel Royal, an appointment which soon became a sinecure, but which he continued to hold until his death. He also became a member of the King's band of music, an office which he likewise retained until his death. In 1782 he was appointed chamber musician to Queen Charlotte, and about the same time taught the Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV, to play the violoncello. In 84 he filled the post of principal violoncello at the Commemoration of Handel. In 88, having married a lady of considerable fortune, he retired from the public exercise of his profession. In 1821 he resumed its duties for one day, to play, as a member of the King's band, at the coronation of George IV. Fétis says that about 1772 Crosdill visited Paris, where he took lessons of the elder Janson; that he resided in Paris for some years, and played in the orchestra of the 'Concerts des Amateurs' at the 'Loge Olympique'; and that he returned to London about 1780. But this account cannot be correct as respects the dates, as we have seen that Crosdill was engaged in England during the greater part of the time mentioned by Fétis. His visit was probably in 1778–79 and occupied some months instead of some years. Crosdill died in October 1825 at Eskrick, Yorkshire, leaving all his property to his only son, Lieutenant Colonel Crosdill, of the East India Company's service, who, by his father's desire, presented to the Royal Society of Musicians the munificent donation of 1000l.

[ W. H. H. ]